Anticipating Spring

As we anticipate spring and the end of the semester, once again I thank each of you for all your work and the contributions you’ve made to the success of our students.

There are several updates and reminders to share with you before Commencement. 

Construction
Construction on the Kopp Hall skyway will begin in May and is expected to be completed in November. The skyway will be closed during construction. This project was delayed due to a supply-chain backlog. Funding was provided by the state legislature as part of 2020 Higher Education Asset Preservation and Renewal (HEAPR). 

Phase 5 of the Technical Building renovation will include expanded spaces for Student Support Services, the Veterans Welcome Center, and the Student Parent Center (T.2200). Also included are improvements to the Technical Building parking ramp entrance and Public Safety space, separating dispatch/emergency response and upgrading security infrastructure. This renovation is part of the Comprehensive Facilities Plan developed in 2017 and continues the phased construction approach for this area that started in 2019. 

Campus Climate Survey
We want to learn from your perceptions and experiences of our campus climate, equity, and inclusion. Please consider participating in the Equity and Diversity Campus Climate Survey from March 27 through April 17. It takes about 10 minutes. Responses are anonymous. The survey results will inform and improve support practices, policies, and processes at Minneapolis College. 

This survey is also open to students. The more who participate, the stronger our data. Help us spread the word! If you have questions, contact Vice President for Equity and Inclusion Trumanue Lindsey, Jr. 

Summer Hours and Telework
Campus buildings will be closed on Fridays, May 26 to July 28. For purposes of employee schedules, the period of May 24 to August 1 is considered “summer period.” During summer period, additional telework options will be offered. Telework-eligible employees must submit their summer-only telework agreements before April 14. If you have questions about your options, please contact Human Resources.

All College Meeting
At 8 a.m. on March 30, faculty and staff will gather in T Plaza for the All College Meeting. We will discuss the budget, strategic and divisional planning, and our equity scorecard work. There will be time to connect, and breakfast will be served. This is an opportunity to share your thoughts and ideas on the planning that drives our initiatives. Please plan to attend! 

Commencement
I’m thrilled to announce that the 2023 Commencement Ceremony will take place at 6 p.m., May 12, in the Minneapolis Convention Center. Students have expressed the desire to continue with our new tradition—Grad Fest. Graduates and their families will have a fun and intimate experience at this celebratory event, May 2-4. Grad Fest is structured around our eight schools and personalizes the graduates’ experience by providing the opportunity to engage with their faculty, staff, and administrators. Faculty and staff are encouraged to attend both events.

As we welcome spring, it’s important that we take a moment to reflect on all the progress we’ve made. Change is challenging, yet necessary. The landscape for colleges is crowded and competitive. We must continuously improve and elevate our expectations while living our core values. This is what sets us apart.

I encourage you to celebrate what you do, and what we do together!